The Golden Rule

On page 116 of Tales of Juha, a story is told about Juha and his experience in a confectioners shop.  Juha strolls into the store, exclaims “In the name of God.” then begins eating everything.  The store owner is incredibly perplexed by his actions and commands Juha to stop.  When Juha doesn’t stop, the store owner begins to beat Juha.  Juha then replies to the beating by saying “God bless you people… You actually beat your guests, to force them to eat your sweets.”

Over the history of the world, people of all races, religions, and ethnicities have acted in ways that are truly unacceptable.  What is worse is that these people have done these actions in the name of their god.  Events like the Spanish Inquisition, the crusades, and the attacks of September 11^th have left the survivors questioning a god and humanity.  Why is it that an institution such as religion that was intended to be a light of hope to its people has gone (on occasion) so wrong? 

While Juha’s tale is more lighthearted than the events listed above, it brings about the same issue.  What god would want people to be so harmful to its neighbors?  My hope for humanity is that people can see religion for what it is, flawed.  Like all men and manmade things, religion has its issues.  The only hope for a peaceful future is for each person to live by a simple mantra that transcends all religions: treat others as you would be treated.  If we all could live by this ideal, everyone, from every religion, would be able to peacefully live together. 

Juha would never have stolen from the storeowner if he first considered how he would have wanted to be treated.  I think by taking a step back and considering others first we all are better off.  In the future, I challenge everyone to consider others first.